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Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

Arsenal and Man City handed major Premier League title twist as new fixture changes announced

The Premier League title is far from sewn up and with a handful of games left, the run-in towards the end of the season looks an enticing one for the neutrals. For those of an Arsenal and Manchester City persuasion, it will perhaps be a gut-wrenching watch as each twist and turn changes the complexion of the race to lift the trophy at the end of May.

The latest change in direction in the battle came as the Gunners suffered back-to-back draws after taking a 2-0 lead in both ties against Liverpool and West Ham. That's seen the north London outfit have their eight-point lead at the top of the table reduced to just four as City have a game in hand and a huge head-to-head next week.

"Very confident," Mikel Arteta said on his side's chances against Southampton on Friday. "Twists and turns are part of everything that you do, especially in football. It’s not always going to be a linear progression. You have to know that and you have to be prepared for that. The way the team reacted was incredibly positive and we want to see that tomorrow night when we get onto that field."

READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on William Saliba injury, Zinchenko fitness and Bukayo Saka

One thing that could twist the title race once again is the fixture schedule, given that it may change the perception of a game when going into it. For example, Arsenal's defeat away at Goodison Park in Sean Dyche's first game may have been the perfect storm that wouldn't have happened prior to his arrival.

This could play a part late in the season as the Premier League have made changes to the schedule, moving both Arsenal and Man City fixtures around. Arsenal's clash against Nottingham Forest on May 20 - their penultimate game of the season - will now be played at 5:30pm GMT.

Manchester City will have to wait another day until they can respond to the result put up by the Gunners as their clash with Chelsea will now take place on May 21 at 4pm GMT. It could be a deciding day or two for both teams in the Premier League title race, adding another twist to the tale.

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